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Prime Minister Roumen Radev confirmed at the Council of Ministers meeting today that draft amendments to the Gambling Act will be released for consultation, including what he described as a “practically full ban of gambling promotions.”
“We want to introduce a new, far stricter model for regulatory control over the sector,” Radev told the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency. He explained that the reforms aim to bring “more transparency, fairer taxation and most importantly, minimisation of gambling harm.”
He added, “The first major change will focus on advertising. We don’t want gambling to be present in the everyday life of Bulgarian citizens. We don’t want aggressive marketing, which reaches young people and children.”
His statement came only days after MP Stefan Belchev, chair of the Economic Policy Committee, suggested that the measures would likely tighten advertising rules rather than impose an outright ban.
The final scope of restrictions will be clear once the texts are published, with tax increases also set to be among the consultation, according to SBC News.
Bulgaria push for second attempt at tax hike as opposition call for full ad ban
Since January 2026, online operators have paid 25% of gross gaming revenue, following a 5% increase approved in the 2025 budget. This levy is charged alongside the standard 10% corporate tax.
Earlier in the year, opposition parties pressed for an even higher rate, arguing that the state needed more revenue to cover a growing deficit. Their proposal was rejected when the 2026 budget passed in July, but Prime Minister Roumen Radev has since raised the possibility of another increase.
He told the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency that a new tax structure could create “pathways to fund sports and education.”
While the government weighs another hike, opposition groups from We Continue the Change (PP) and Yes Bulgaria (DB) have demanded tougher reforms. They want a complete ban on outdoor gambling advertising, with fines of up to €150,000 for operators that fail to comply.
Current law already prohibits radio and television ads, except for the state lottery, but allows promotion in print, online and public spaces. If the new rules are adopted, sponsorship of sports teams and venues would remain the only permitted channel.
The proposed ban would even extend to illuminated signs outside casinos and gaming halls. Radev’s cabinet has indicated that sports sponsorship rights will be preserved, though this could change once the consultation process concludes.
